Somalia

Introduction
Located in northeast Africa, Somalia is bordered by Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Kenya. Somalia is mainly famous because of its constant civil wars, Military fights, and border disputes etc. Though things have started improving over the last few years, the frequent violence between various clans and militias is a common thing.

Political Overview
Somalia has no permanent government of the country. Rather the country is ruled by transitional parliamentary federal government. The Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, recognized internationally comprises of an executive branch and this government attempts to re-establish national establishment of the country. Mogadishu is the capital of Somalia.

Geographical Overview
Somalia is located at 10 00 N, 49 00 E, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. The total area of the country is 637,657 sq.km with a coastline that stretches to 3,025 km. The country’s topography is marked by highlands, plains and plateaus with little disparity. Being semi arid climate, the weather remains hot although the year in all parts of the country. However, the highlands are little mild in terms of hot weather. Rainfall is scanty and some areas in the northeast get moderate rainfall.

Tourism
Tourism is Somalia is not very common because the country has been a warzone. However, the government and people of Somalia are taking initiatives to make the country a tourist hotspot in the coming years. The industry of tourism is developing slowly and steadily in Somalia since 2010. The country is bestowed with some very beautiful beaches and wildlife, which can be the top attractions for tourists. Moreover, the country also boasts of long coastline. Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia is getting to receive few tourists here and there and soon as peace returns to the country, there will be more people coming as tourists here.

Culture & People
The culture of Somalia is an amalgamation of unique traditions that the people of the country have developed and gathered over time from other civilizations. The cuisine of Somalia is inspired by the cuisines of Southeast Asia. The country is rich is musical heritage in the form of folklore. The people of Somalia speak Somali language, which is the official language of the country. The population mostly comprised of Muslims baring a few exceptions. Christianity also exits but in minority.

Economy
Despite the fact that Somalia is a poor country and without any stable government, the country is still doing quite well in terms of economy. A major part of the country’s income comes from criminal activity like ransom demanded by pirates. Another chunk of the economic activity comes as remittances from Somali’s working and earning abroad. Though, it is strange to know that the banking sector in Somalia hardly exists and the transactions from offshore are handled by an informal banking sector. Sugar refining, textiles, livestock, money transfer, and telecommunications serve as the emerging economies of the country. Main exports of the country include livestock, bananas, hides, fish, charcoal, and scrap metal and the export partners are mainly UAE, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.